BASWATI, a 94-year-old descendant of Girmitiyas, remembers her struggle as a mother toiling away in the sugarcane fields during the colonial era.
Many years later, the nonagenarian was honoured during the launch of the Girmit celebrations yesterday in Labasa where she was celebrated for her commitment to her family.
“Life was tough. All of my family worked on the farm,” Ms Baswati said.
Her husband was employed by the Colonial Sugar Refining (CSR) Company, and together they raised their family through hard work and sacrifice.
“When we used to work in the farm, there were no machines then. Everything was done by hand but we did it because we had no other choice.”
Though her memory is no longer as sharp as before, the elderly widow still takes care of herself. She continues to cook her meals and lives with quiet determination and strength.
I just do what I can,” she said with a smile.
On a day when Fiji celebrates mothers across the country, Ms Baswati’s life stands as a testament to the thousands of women who lived and worked through the struggles of the Girmit era.
Her courage reflects the strength of many mothers who carried their families forward through generations of sacrifice.
Minster for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh said the elderly woman represented a generation of mothers who gave everything.
Mr Singh said they honoured her not just for her age, but for her strength.
